On November 2, China’s first 270,000-cubic-meter liquefied natural gas (LNG) storage tank was officially put into operation at Sinopec’s Qingdao LNG Receiving Terminal, achieving a new breakthrough in China’s R&D and construction technology for ultra-large LNG storage tanks and propelling the nation to the global forefront in this field. This achievement is a significant for substantially enhancing natural gas supply security in North China, accelerating the development of China’s natural gas production-supply-storage-sales system, and driving the high-quality development of Sinopec Engineering Group (SEG). On the same day, the news was prominently broadcast on CCTV’s Morning News program, attracting widespread attention.
The successful operation of this tank fully demonstrates the robust engineering technological innovation capabilities and outstanding project execution strength of SEG. The project was completed 130 days ahead of schedule, not only setting a new domestic record for LNG storage tank construction, also made an outstanding contribution to ensuring the tank’s operational readiness before the 2023 heating season and safeguard winter heating supply in North China, powerfully showcasing SEG’s sense of responsibility and commitment.
With a diameter of 100.6 meters and a height of 55 meters, this tank is currently the largest in capacity, fastest-built, and first-completed ultra-large LNG storage tank in China. It is also the world’s largest full-containment tank with the prestressed concrete,capable of easily accommodating a C919 large aircraft. After commissioning, the tank can meet the gas demand of 2.16 million households for a five-month heating season.
Since undertaking the project, SEG has actively leveraged its “large-scale collaborative” operational advantages. Starting from development goals such as integrating resources, accelerating localization, reducing construction costs, and lowering operational expenses, the company meticulously planned the overall strategy, immediately designating the project as a company-level key initiative. Milestone-based performance evaluations were implemented to ensure optimal resource allocation and provide a knowledge-technology platform for the project. Subsidiary companies, including SEI and STCC, collaborated closely with the owner, Sinopec Natural Gas Branch, on technological R&D and project execution. The project team organized scientifically, communicated intensively, and jointly advanced implementation, making remarkable contributions to the project’s success.
SEI and STCC tackled challenges in tank construction processes, modularization, equipment improvements, informatization, and digitalization. They secured 6 national utility model patents, innovatively developed 5 provincial/ministerial-level construction methods, and applied 17 proprietary patented technologies, successfully overcoming multiple construction challenges. These efforts significantly improved construction efficiency and provided valuable experience for future domestic ultra-large LNG tank projects.
Since the project’s official launch in August 2021, STCC strengthened construction organization, optimized progress milestones, advanced tasks in an orderly manner, and ensured quality and safety. The tank was completed safely and smoothly after 25 months, with its iconic roof-lifting operation broadcast live on CCTV’s online platform, delivering a visually stunning demonstration of China’s engineering prowess. The main structure of the tank was fully completed in only 18 months, ultimately finishing 130 days ahead of the overall construction plan. They not only set a new domestic record for LNG tank construction but also ensured the project’s timely commissioning before the 2023 winter heating period, making a decisive contribution to securing winter heating supply in North China and reflecting SEG’s unwavering responsibility and dedication.
